Absolutely spacious APT unit between ANU and City – Hosted by CanStay

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon this place while planning a quick trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be a total gem – it’s called the Absolutely Spacious APT Unit, hosted by CanStay, tucked away at 2601 in the inner north, right between the Australian National University (ANU) and the city center. I mean, if you’re like me and you hate those long commutes, this spot’s a lifesaver; I could walk to ANU’s campus in about 15 minutes for a conference I was attending, or hop on a bus down Northbourne Avenue to hit up Civic for some shopping or a bite at those trendy spots in Braddon. Driving in? Parking’s a breeze – there’s secure underground spots, which is clutch in Canberra where street parking can be a nightmare during peak hours, especially around federal parliament sessions when everything gets clogged. Check-in was super straightforward; the host messaged me the code for the key lockbox ahead of time, no fuss, though I did arrive right after a rain shower, so the entryway had that fresh, earthy smell mixed with a hint of eucalyptus from the nearby trees – classic Aussie vibe, you know?

Stepping inside, whoa, the “absolutely spacious” part isn’t just hype. This four-star apartment feels more like a cozy home than some sterile hotel room – we’re talking a full kitchen with a proper oven (I whipped up a brekkie of avo toast one morning, no problem), a lounge area big enough to sprawl out on the couch after a day exploring, and bedrooms that actually have blackout curtains for those jet-lagged naps. It’s rated 8.5 for a reason; the place is clean as a whistle, with fresh linens that smell like they’ve just come out of the dryer, and the bathroom’s got decent water pressure – none of that weak trickle you sometimes get in older buildings. Well, minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be a tad spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, it’s Canberra, not Silicon Valley, and I just switched to my phone hotspot for work calls. Noise-wise, it’s pretty quiet most nights, especially since it’s set back from the main road – you might hear the occasional tram rumbling by on Light Rail, but it’s more soothing than annoying, like a gentle reminder you’re in the heart of things without the chaos. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, crank the air-con early; it gets toasty, but the unit cools down fast.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for uni stuff, a government gig, or just to check out Lake Burley Griffin (pro tip: rent bikes from the nearby hire spot and cycle around it at sunset – stunning), this place is worth it. It’s not flashy or over-the-top luxurious, but it’s practical, comfortable, and gives you that local living feel without breaking the bank. I’d go back in a heartbeat – especially off-season in autumn when the leaves turn and the crowds thin out. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $122. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Will stay there again – Michael from Australia – 24 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: A lot of construction going on for the light rail extension

• Very good – Mark from Australia – 24 March 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities